Mar 14, 2025
Eco-Ganpati in Maharashtra: A Commitment, Not a Movement
By Siddhesh Kadam
The Green Movement of Wisdom
In Maharashtra, festivals are more than celebrations, they are cultural landmarks that unite communities.
Yet, with growing concerns about environmental degradation, one festival has taken centre stage in the green transformation: Ganesh Chaturthi. Leading this transformation is Siddhesh Kadam, the progressive Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, whose mission is clear; Eco-Ganpati must become a national commitment, not just a movement.
From Awareness to Action
From Awareness to Action
For years, the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and toxic paints led to severe water pollution post visarjan.
Eco-Friendly Ganpati Drive
Recognizing this, Siddhesh Kadam, an emerging environmental leader in Maharashtra, transformed the narrative with bold, people-driven action.
Under the “Shahanpan Dega Deva” campaign, Mr. Kadam and MPCB have sparked statewide awareness about the dangers of non-biodegradable idols. This campaign, rooted in Maharashtra Pollution Control initiatives, urges citizens to choose eco-friendly Ganpati idols made from clay, natural colours, and organic materials.
In 2024, over 82,000 eco-idols were immersed in more than 204 artificial ponds; a record for eco-conscious celebration. But for Mr. Kadam, this is just the beginning.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The New Eco Action Plan
For the upcoming Ganesh Utsav, Siddhesh Kadam has already initiated a proactive action plan with new and improved strategies:
500+ Artificial Ponds to be set up across Maharashtra for visarjans to reduce river and lake contamination.
A strict ban on PoP idols; applicable to both public mandals and private households, with real-time inspections and awareness drives.
Eco-mitra volunteers trained to guide citizens during idol purchase and visarjan.
A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and mobile app for eco-visarjan assistance and reporting violations.
These actions are part of a broader Clean Maharashtra campaign, where eco-conscious festivals play a crucial role in transforming urban and rural behaviour.
Youth for Environment Maharashtra: Inspiring the Next Generation
Another critical element of Mr. Kadam’s strategy is empowering the youth. Through the Youth for Environment Maharashtra initiative, thousands of students and young changemakers are mobilized each year during Ganesh Chaturthi. They:
Promote the Plastic-Free Maharashtra initiative
Conduct eco-Ganpati making workshops
Volunteer actively during visarjan days
This youth-led approach ensures that the commitment to eco-celebrations is not only sustained but also deepened for future generations.
A Culture Shift, Not Just a Compliance
What makes Siddhesh Kadam’s leadership impactful is that his focus isn’t just on rules, but on reshaping culture. As the Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, he believes sustainable practices must come from belief, not compulsion. That’s why the Eco-Ganpati movement under his guidance is evolving into a statewide commitment; embraced by families, communities, and municipal bodies alike.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Eco-Ganpati is not just a movement; it’s a cultural turning point in Maharashtra, led by proactive governance and public spirit, it’s the reality Siddhesh Kadam is crafting across Maharashtra.
Through solid planning, youth participation, and public awareness, this Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is set to be cleaner, greener, and more meaningful than ever.
Latest Updates
Latest Updates
Siddhesh Kadam’s Green Mission in Action: Leading Maharashtra Towards a Cleaner Future
Siddhesh Kadam’s Green Mission in Action: Leading Maharashtra Towards a Cleaner Future
Why Policy Innovation Needs to Start at the Grassroots
Why Policy Innovation Needs to Start at the Grassroots
Environmental Responsibility Shaping Economic Growth
Environmental Responsibility Shaping Economic Growth
Mar 14, 2025
Eco-Ganpati in Maharashtra: A Commitment, Not a Movement
By Siddhesh Kadam
The Green Movement of Wisdom
In Maharashtra, festivals are more than celebrations, they are cultural landmarks that unite communities.
Yet, with growing concerns about environmental degradation, one festival has taken centre stage in the green transformation: Ganesh Chaturthi. Leading this transformation is Siddhesh Kadam, the progressive Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, whose mission is clear; Eco-Ganpati must become a national commitment, not just a movement.
From Awareness to Action
For years, the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and toxic paints led to severe water pollution post visarjan.
Eco-Friendly Ganpati Drive
Recognizing this, Siddhesh Kadam, an emerging environmental leader in Maharashtra, transformed the narrative with bold, people-driven action.
Under the “Shahanpan Dega Deva” campaign, Mr. Kadam and MPCB have sparked statewide awareness about the dangers of non-biodegradable idols. This campaign, rooted in Maharashtra Pollution Control initiatives, urges citizens to choose eco-friendly Ganpati idols made from clay, natural colours, and organic materials.
In 2024, over 82,000 eco-idols were immersed in more than 204 artificial ponds; a record for eco-conscious celebration. But for Mr. Kadam, this is just the beginning.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The New Eco Action Plan
For the upcoming Ganesh Utsav, Siddhesh Kadam has already initiated a proactive action plan with new and improved strategies:
500+ Artificial Ponds to be set up across Maharashtra for visarjans to reduce river and lake contamination.
A strict ban on PoP idols; applicable to both public mandals and private households, with real-time inspections and awareness drives.
Eco-mitra volunteers trained to guide citizens during idol purchase and visarjan.
A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and mobile app for eco-visarjan assistance and reporting violations.
These actions are part of a broader Clean Maharashtra campaign, where eco-conscious festivals play a crucial role in transforming urban and rural behaviour.
Youth for Environment Maharashtra: Inspiring the Next Generation
Another critical element of Mr. Kadam’s strategy is empowering the youth. Through the Youth for Environment Maharashtra initiative, thousands of students and young changemakers are mobilized each year during Ganesh Chaturthi. They:
Promote the Plastic-Free Maharashtra initiative
Conduct eco-Ganpati making workshops
Volunteer actively during visarjan days
This youth-led approach ensures that the commitment to eco-celebrations is not only sustained but also deepened for future generations.
A Culture Shift, Not Just a Compliance
What makes Siddhesh Kadam’s leadership impactful is that his focus isn’t just on rules, but on reshaping culture. As the Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, he believes sustainable practices must come from belief, not compulsion. That’s why the Eco-Ganpati movement under his guidance is evolving into a statewide commitment; embraced by families, communities, and municipal bodies alike.
Conclusion
Eco-Ganpati is not just a movement; it’s a cultural turning point in Maharashtra, led by proactive governance and public spirit, it’s the reality Siddhesh Kadam is crafting across Maharashtra.
Through solid planning, youth participation, and public awareness, this Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is set to be cleaner, greener, and more meaningful than ever.
Mar 14, 2025
Eco-Ganpati in Maharashtra: A Commitment, Not a Movement
By Siddhesh Kadam
The Green Movement of Wisdom
In Maharashtra, festivals are more than celebrations, they are cultural landmarks that unite communities.
Yet, with growing concerns about environmental degradation, one festival has taken centre stage in the green transformation: Ganesh Chaturthi. Leading this transformation is Siddhesh Kadam, the progressive Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, whose mission is clear; Eco-Ganpati must become a national commitment, not just a movement.
From Awareness to Action
For years, the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and toxic paints led to severe water pollution post visarjan.
Eco-Friendly Ganpati Drive
Recognizing this, Siddhesh Kadam, an emerging environmental leader in Maharashtra, transformed the narrative with bold, people-driven action.
Under the “Shahanpan Dega Deva” campaign, Mr. Kadam and MPCB have sparked statewide awareness about the dangers of non-biodegradable idols. This campaign, rooted in Maharashtra Pollution Control initiatives, urges citizens to choose eco-friendly Ganpati idols made from clay, natural colours, and organic materials.
In 2024, over 82,000 eco-idols were immersed in more than 204 artificial ponds; a record for eco-conscious celebration. But for Mr. Kadam, this is just the beginning.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The New Eco Action Plan
For the upcoming Ganesh Utsav, Siddhesh Kadam has already initiated a proactive action plan with new and improved strategies:
500+ Artificial Ponds to be set up across Maharashtra for visarjans to reduce river and lake contamination.
A strict ban on PoP idols; applicable to both public mandals and private households, with real-time inspections and awareness drives.
Eco-mitra volunteers trained to guide citizens during idol purchase and visarjan.
A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and mobile app for eco-visarjan assistance and reporting violations.
These actions are part of a broader Clean Maharashtra campaign, where eco-conscious festivals play a crucial role in transforming urban and rural behaviour.
Youth for Environment Maharashtra: Inspiring the Next Generation
Another critical element of Mr. Kadam’s strategy is empowering the youth. Through the Youth for Environment Maharashtra initiative, thousands of students and young changemakers are mobilized each year during Ganesh Chaturthi. They:
Promote the Plastic-Free Maharashtra initiative
Conduct eco-Ganpati making workshops
Volunteer actively during visarjan days
This youth-led approach ensures that the commitment to eco-celebrations is not only sustained but also deepened for future generations.
A Culture Shift, Not Just a Compliance
What makes Siddhesh Kadam’s leadership impactful is that his focus isn’t just on rules, but on reshaping culture. As the Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, he believes sustainable practices must come from belief, not compulsion. That’s why the Eco-Ganpati movement under his guidance is evolving into a statewide commitment; embraced by families, communities, and municipal bodies alike.
Conclusion
Eco-Ganpati is not just a movement; it’s a cultural turning point in Maharashtra, led by proactive governance and public spirit, it’s the reality Siddhesh Kadam is crafting across Maharashtra.
Through solid planning, youth participation, and public awareness, this Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is set to be cleaner, greener, and more meaningful than ever.